"Secret U.S. government cables show a stunning willingness by senior Canadian officials to appease American demands (more here) for a U.S.-style copyright law here. The documents describe Canadian officials as encouraging American lobbying efforts. They also cite cabinet minister Maxime Bernier raising the possibility of showing U.S. officials a draft bill before tabling it in Parliament. The cables, from the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, even have a policy director for then industry minister Tony Clement suggesting it might help U.S. demands for a tough copyright law if Canada were placed among the worst offenders on an international piracy watch list. Days later, the U.S. placed Canada alongside China and Russia on the list." Unbelievable. Suddenly I understand why the SFPD had no qualms about acting as henchmen for Apple goons to violate someone's constitutional rights. If a government is messed up, it only makes sense this is reflected in the corporate policies of its prime corporations.

Its also really sad that the pact that was made with artists has been distorted and abused in the name of greed. Copyright protection is a two way street, a contract between society and artists. Unfortunately, the artists have become greedy pigs. If they (and you) expect people to respect copyright, then they have to respect it also. Creating laws that bypass our basic freedoms and dictating laws for other societies goes well beyond the power creators are suppose to have under copyright.